Tadahito Iguchi left Japan on Saturday to join spring training, determined to help the Chicago White Sox win back-to-back World Series titles without a sophomore jinx.
"You know players are asked to deliver better in their second seasons than in their rookie years. Hitting .300 with 30 or more stolen bases -- that's my goal and hopefully I'll be in the World Series again by fulfilling my role on the team," Iguchi said.
Iguchi played second base and batted second in the lineup in his rookie season in the major leagues last year.
He is expected to appear in the sixth or seventh spot in the order this coming season.
Iguchi, who hit .278 and had 15 homers with 71 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 2005, will fly into Chicago before moving to Tucson, Arizona, where the White Sox begin training for position players Thursday.